To create what is commonly referred to as a "clipping group" in Adobe Illustrator, you will use the Clipping Mask feature. This allows you to use one object (the "mask") to hide parts of other objects, effectively making them appear as if they are contained within the shape of the mask.
Here's how you do it:
Understanding Clipping Masks
A clipping mask is an object whose shape masks other artwork so that only the areas that lie within the masking object's shape are visible. The clipping mask and the objects it masks are called a clipping set. The topmost object you select becomes the mask.
Steps to Create a Clipping Mask
Follow these simple steps to create a clipping mask using selected objects:
- Select Your Objects: Use the Selection Tool (V) to select the object you want to use as the mask (this should be the object you want to be on top) and the object(s) you want to mask. Ensure both the masking object and the artwork to be masked are selected.
- Apply the Clipping Mask: With your two objects selected, navigate to the Object menu in the overhead toolbar, choose Clipping Mask and then click Make to create the clipping mask.
That's it! The selected artwork will now be masked by the shape of the top object.
Quick Guide Table
| Action | Steps |
|---|---|
| Select Objects | Select the mask shape (on top) and the objects to be masked. |
| Navigate Menu | Go to Object > Clipping Mask. |
| Create Mask | Click Make. |
Important Considerations:
- The object you intend to use as the mask must be the topmost object in the stacking order among the selected items.
- Once applied, the artwork outside the mask's shape is hidden, not deleted. You can release the clipping mask later if needed (
Object > Clipping Mask > Release). - The mask object itself will lose its stroke and fill properties by default when it becomes a clipping mask.
Creating clipping masks is a fundamental technique for design, layout, and effects in Illustrator, allowing you to easily shape and combine vector artwork and images.
